Highmead – Dorset Stour

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery runs downstream to the deep ditch upstream of Bartlett’s Cliff. That gives you a clear downstream limit to work towards.
• Down low, expect slower, deeper water with extensive reed beds. It sounds like a proper quiet-water job, with only a few swims available.
• The upper section is the more lively bit. It’s shallower and faster, and is noted for predominantly chub and dace.
• Roach, perch and pike are present throughout the fishery, so there’s a decent mix beyond the main chub-and-dace game.
• Barbel, brown trout, eels, grayling and sea trout are among the species listed by the club. An occasional brown trout may appear too.
• Trotting should be worth a look in the quicker upper water, especially for chub, dace and roach. Keep an eye on the crease and any steadier inside line.
• The deep lower section and reed edges look more suited to a controlled feeder approach or float work where a swim allows. Access is limited down there, so make the available pegs count.
• Pike are present throughout. A careful lure or deadbait approach may suit the deeper water, subject to the club’s rules and the conditions on the day.
• Access is currently very difficult. From High Mead Lane, follow the track towards a small copse, then take the rough track to the footbridge over a brook. The river is across the field beyond.
• The road to the car park is largely impassable by car, with vegetation and fly-tipping also making parking awkward. There are no toilets listed, and dogs aren’t permitted.

Methods: Trotting the shallower, faster upper section looks the bob-on starting point for chub, dace and roach. In the slower lower water, try a float or feeder tight to the reed beds and deeper channels, with pike tactics an option where permitted.

Access & tickets

Arrange membership or an eligible guest ticket through Christchurch Angling Club; annual membership runs for 365 days from joining. Buy holiday membership before entering, and follow the current guest-ticket page’s one-guest limit rather than the venue table’s two.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, perch, pike, barbel, trout, eel

Named by Christchurch Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• No special regulations are listed for Highmead.
• Fishing from bridges or weirs is prohibited.
• Unauthorised boats, bait boats and drones are prohibited.
• All fish must be returned unharmed.
• Keepnets are not permitted except under special match arrangements.
• An unhooking mat is required for fish that contact the ground.
• Up to two rods are permitted.
• Braided mainline is permitted.
• Up to two angling guests are permitted where the relevant guest ticket and rules apply.
• Dogs are not permitted at Highmead.

Where it is